Malaysia took a step toward reinforcing its role as a regional innovation hub with the soft launch of the ASEAN Technology Cooperation & Development Summit 2025, officiated by Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation YB Dato’ Haji Mohammad Yusof bin Apdal at The Exchange 106, Kuala Lumpur.
Hosted by Intrinsic SEA and co-organised with ecosystem leaders such as NCT Group, Tus Cross-Border Innovation, and Jiahe Convention & Exhibitions, the summit will run from 25–26 November 2025 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, alongside WE2025: Future in Motion. Positioned under WE2025’s “Future Tech & AI” pillar, the event aims to accelerate cross-border technology cooperation while aligning with broader goals of inclusive innovation, sustainable development, and ASEAN’s economic leadership.
Over the two-day programme, organisers expect participation from more than 100 companies, over 50 global investors, and 2,000 innovators from across ASEAN, China, Canada, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and Japan. The summit will also feature a 100+ booth technology exhibition highlighting frontier innovations across sectors such as mobility, healthcare, commerce, building safety, and entrepreneurship. These tracks are designed to address real-world challenges while aligning with Malaysia’s National Science, Technology & Innovation Policy (2021–2030).
Key highlights will include leadership keynotes, ministerial and industry roundtables, an ASEAN startup-investor showcase, investment opportunity spotlights, and a gala dinner for global partnerships. With over 50,000 livestream viewers anticipated, the event is set to boost Malaysia’s visibility as a connector in ASEAN’s science, technology, and innovation landscape.
The summit’s focus on cross-border investment also reflects the wider opportunities entrepreneurs consider when expanding internationally, including pathways such as the e2 investor visa for eligible investors looking to establish or develop a business in the United States.
Deputy Minister Mohammad Yusof said the summit supports MOSTI’s mission to transition Malaysia from a technology user to a global technology developer by 2030, while advancing ASEAN Chairmanship priorities. He underscored the importance of gender-inclusive innovation, pointing to initiatives that expand STEM exposure for women and girls, foster inclusive workplace cultures, and improve access to capital, networks, and leadership roles.
The WE2025 Organising Chair Richard Teo said the platform champions inclusive growth by empowering women in trade, investment, and leadership, ensuring that they have meaningful roles in tech innovation. Intrinsic SEA CEO Ravenna Chen emphasised the summit’s outcome-driven focus, aiming to integrate technology into key value chains, accelerate project implementation, and build a globally competitive ecosystem. She framed it as a strategic commitment tied to Malaysia’s fifth ASEAN Chairmanship, the ASEAN Community’s 10th anniversary, and the aspirations of ASEAN Vision 2045.
The summit forms a core component of WE2025: Future in Motion, Malaysia’s premier platform for advancing women in trade, investment, and leadership, which will take place from 25–27 November 2025 at MITEC in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and the Department of Women Development.
